noun
taffrail
TAF-rayl/ˈtæfˌreɪl/
The rail around the stern of a ship.
The captain leans against the taffrail and watches the ship's wake.
Etymology
Dutch tafereel referred to a decorative panel, including the painted or carved stern of a sailing ship. In English, influence from “rail” shifted the meaning from the stern panel to the railing around it.
In context
as a seagull perches on the [taffrail] watching The Flying Fish leap through the air
attached to the [taffrail] which is the last railing around the stern
More examples
- A sailor paints the taffrail at the back of the ship.
- Hold the taffrail while the boat rocks.
- Both ships have wooden taffrails.
Forms
taffrail · taffrails